Youngster makes the Easterns team

Nobel Primary school learner Sifiso Mahlangu has been selected to represent the Eastern Schools Football Association.

This Grade 7 learner from the Modderfontein school, and who is a Tembisa resident, recently took part in the Eastern trials.

He started playing soccer when he was nine years old. He said his mother is his biggest supporter as she is the one who introduced him to the sport.

“My mother is a big Kaizer Chiefs fan and I started watching games with her from a young age,” said Sifiso.

He was selected by the head of department at the school, who is in charge of soccer. He saw his potential and selected him to go to the trials.

“You first get selected by your school and then the following round is by the Easterns officials,” said Sifiso.

Now that Sifiso has been selected for the Easterns team, he will be allocated to a team and will participate in their training sessions.

He said his biggest challenge was not having a team.

“I am also looking for a sponsor who can sponsor me with some of the things I need, such as kit and other things,” he said.

Even though Sifiso loves his soccer, he said the number one thing that is important to him is finishing school.

“As much as I love soccer, I believe education is important and I want to be a doctor when I grow up. When the NEWS asked him about the South African national soccer team’s performance, Sifiso was quick to say that he believes the coach should not be blamed for the players’ poor performance.

“I believe it’s important for soccer players to communicate with the coach if they are not happy about something. That is the only way problems can be fixed,” he said.

He also said the sport can improve a lot if players are selected based on their skill and talent, rather than how much money they have.

“Sometimes, you find that players are selected because their parents have money, but those who don’t have money are left behind even though they have the talent,” said Sifiso.